Many of the pacemaker British infant schools possess characteristics which advocates of open education would like to see replicated in this country. But in this examination of the qualities and goals of open or "developmental" education, American educators are cautioned against oversimplifying and romanticizing developments in Britain. Educators in this country should understand the process by which the British pacemaker schools developed and the ideas that guided this process. Some of the qualities of open education are discussed and contrasted with those of traditional school programs. Suggestions regarding the development of pacemaker caliber programs in the United States include ideas for involving teachers, children and parents in the process of change, and for developing increased independence and initiative on the part of both children and teachers. (MG)